Japan’s nationwide average land prices across all uses rose for the fifth consecutive year as of January 1st, 2026, reflecting a gradual economic recovery, according to data released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. (News On Japan)

Japan's Environment Ministry has removed the red-crowned crane, a nationally designated Special Natural Monument, from its list of endangered species for the first time, citing a recovery in population driven by long-term conservation efforts, while also lowering the extinction risk classification of the crested ibis by one level as its numbers continue to rebound. (News On Japan)

JR East unveiled Japan’s first dedicated freight Shinkansen in Tokyo on March 17th, marking a new step in the use of high-speed rail for logistics. (News On Japan)

A new service enabling individuals to preserve their own cells for future medical treatment is set to launch in Japan, marking the country’s first offering of long-term iPS cell storage for personal use. (News On Japan)

Two boats carrying high school students on a peace study program capsized off the coast of Henoko in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, the planned relocation site for a U.S. military airfield, on March 16th, throwing a total of 21 people into the sea, all of whom were rescued, though a second-year female student and the male boat captain later died. (News On Japan)

Equipment including Japan’s first domestically deployed long-range missile launchers was unveiled ahead of its placement at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto City, where it was shown to local officials including the governor and mayor. (News On Japan)

A camera captured a violent collision on a mountain road at night in Nantan, Kyoto, where a deer suddenly darted into the path of a vehicle, leaving the car with a heavily dented body. (News On Japan)

A large-scale cleanup operation was carried out on March 16th in Kyoto City as authorities moved to address a cluster of dilapidated structures and illegally dumped waste near a residential area close to Kinkakuji, marking the city’s first administrative enforcement action under regulations governing filled land. (News On Japan)

Osaka’s latest official land price survey highlights a significant shift in the city’s real estate landscape, with the Minami district reclaiming the top position for the first time in six years, overtaking Kita, the long-dominant commercial hub centered around Umeda. (News On Japan)

The escalating war in Iran has overshadowed many of the US' foreign policy objectives

The Iran war has already rattled LPG users. Will India’s piped gas network face the next squeeze?

The Iran war has already rattled LPG users. Will India’s piped gas network face the next squeeze?

After Australia gave humanitarian visas to seven team members, only two decided to stay - the BBC's Katy Watson explains what happened.

Hours after winning best actor, Jordan joins an exclusive list of famous faces to celebrate an Oscar victory with a burger.

Hours after winning best actor, Jordan joins an exclusive list of famous faces to celebrate an Oscar victory with a burger.

Rising land prices are making it increasingly difficult for people to live in their preferred locations, prompting a growing trend of choosing homes a few stations away from major hubs as a way to reduce rent. (News On Japan)

The average monthly amount invested by people in their 20s who use NISA has reached 34,432 yen, with the amount young adults are putting into investments continuing to rise and even giving birth to the phrase "NISA poverty." (News On Japan)

Cuba's chronic fuel shortages have been exacerbated by a US blockade on oil shipments to the island.

This is the latest in a series of measures undertaken by Asian countries which rely on oil from the Gulf.

Islamabad denies targeting any health facility and said its strikes were aimed at military installations.